DOCSLIB.ORG

Table of Contents

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 2013 State Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 14. Severe Weather ................................................................................................................... 14-1 14.1 General Background .................................................................................................................. 14-1 14.1.1 High Winds .................................................................................................................. 14-1 14.1.2 Thunderstorms .............................................................................................................. 14-1 14.1.3 Tornadoes ..................................................................................................................... 14-2 14.1.4 Extreme Temperatures ................................................................................................. 14-3 14.1.5 Drought ........................................................................................................................ 14-8 14.2 Hazard Profile ......................................................................................................................... 14-14 14.2.1 Location...................................................................................................................... 14-14 14.2.2 Previous Occurrences ................................................................................................. 14-23 14.2.3 Severity ...................................................................................................................... 14-33 14.2.4 Warning Time ............................................................................................................ 14-34 14.2.5 Frequency of Occurrences .......................................................................................... 14-35 14.3 Secondary Hazards .................................................................................................................. 14-36 14.4 Climate Change Impacts ......................................................................................................... 14-36 14.5 Exposure .................................................................................................................................. 14-37 14.5.1 Population .................................................................................................................. 14-37 14.5.2 State Facilities ............................................................................................................ 14-37 14.5.3 Critical Facilities ........................................................................................................ 14-40 14.5.4 Economy .................................................................................................................... 14-41 14.6 Vulnerability ........................................................................................................................... 14-42 14.6.1 Population .................................................................................................................. 14-42 14.6.2 State Facilities ............................................................................................................ 14-43 14.6.3 Critical Facilities ........................................................................................................ 14-45 14.6.4 Economy .................................................................................................................... 14-45 Table 14-1. The Enhanced F-Scale .......................................................................................................... 14-3 Table 14-2. Enhanced Fujita Scale Damage Indicators ........................................................................... 14-3 Table 14-3. Heat Index Chart ................................................................................................................... 14-7 Table 14-4. Economic, Environmental and Social Impacts of Drought .................................................. 14-9 Table 14-5. Drought Indices .................................................................................................................. 14-12 Table 14-6. Wind Zones in the U.S. ...................................................................................................... 14-15 Table 14-7. FEMA Severe Weather-Related Disaster Declarations (1954 to 2012) ............................. 14-23 Table 14-8. Tornado Events Between 1950 and 2011 ........................................................................... 14-27 14-1 Commonwealth of Massachusetts 2013 State Hazard Mitigation Plan Table 14-9. Notable Cold Weather Events ............................................................................................ 14-30 Table 14-10. Notable Warm Weather Events ........................................................................................ 14-30 Table 14-11. Estimated Droughts Based on the Massachusetts Standardized Precipitation Index ....... 14-31 Table 14-12. Drought and Extreme Heat Events Declared by USDA ................................................... 14-32 Table 14-13. Number of State-Owned and Leased Buildings in Wind Load Zones ............................. 14-38 Table 14-14. Number of Critical Facilities Located in Each Wind Load Zone ..................................... 14-41 Table 14-15. Number of Critical Facilities in the Tornado Probability Zones ...................................... 14-41 Table 14-16. Estimated Replacement Cost Value of State-Owned and Leased Facilities in Wind Load Zones (Structure Only) .......................................................................................................................... 14-43 Table 14-17. State-Owned and Leased Buildings in Historical Tornado Density Zones ...................... 14-45 Table 14-18. Residential General Building Stock Replacement Cost Value for the Commonwealth ... 14-46 Figure 14-1. Wind Chill Temperature Index and Frostbit Risk ............................................................... 14-5 Figure 14-2. Wind Zones in the U.S. ..................................................................................................... 14-14 Figure 14-3. Annual Average Number of Thunderstorm Days in the U.S. ........................................... 14-16 Figure 14-4. Annual Days Suitable for Thunderstorms with Extreme Winds ....................................... 14-16 Figure 14-5. Annual Average Number of Tornadoes in the U.S., 1991 to 2010 ................................... 14-17 Figure 14-6. Tornado Risk in the U.S. ................................................................................................... 14-18 Figure 14-7. Total Annual Threat of Tornado Events in the U.S., 1980-1999 ...................................... 14-19 Figure 14-8. Climate Divisions of the United States ............................................................................. 14-20 Figure 14-9. Climate Divisions of Massachusetts.................................................................................. 14-21 Figure 14-10. Drought Regions of Massachusetts ................................................................................. 14-22 Figure 14-11. Watersheds with Surface Water Intakes for Drinking Water .......................................... 14-22 Figure 14-12. Number of FEMA Severe Weather-Related Disaster Declarations (1954 to 2012)........ 14-24 Figure 14-13. National Fatalities from Weather Events ........................................................................ 14-33 Figure 14-14. Statewide Drought Levels using SPI Thresholds from 1850 to 2012 ............................. 14-36 Figure 14-15. Severe Weather Probabilities in Warmer Climates ......................................................... 14-37 Figure 14-16. Wind Load Zones in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ........................................... 14-39 Figure 14-17. Reported Tornado Occurrences from 1950 to 2011 ........................................................ 14-40 14-2 Commonwealth of Massachusetts 2013 State Hazard Mitigation Plan SECTION 14. SEVERE WEATHER 14.1 GENERAL BACKGROUND 14.1.1 High Winds Wind is air in motion relative to surface of the earth. For non-tropical events over land, the NWS issues a Wind Advisory (sustained winds of 31 to 39 mph for at least 1 hour or any gusts 46 to 57 mph) or a High Wind Warning (sustained winds 40+ mph or any gusts 58+ mph). For non-tropical events over water, the NWS issues a small craft advisory (sustained winds 25-33 knots), a gale warning (sustained winds 34-47 knots), a storm warning (sustained winds 48 to 63 knots), or a hurricane force wind warning (sustained winds 64+ knots). For tropical systems, the NWS issues a tropical storm warning for any areas (inland or coastal) that are expecting sustained winds from 39 to 73 mph. A hurricane warning is issued for any areas (inland or coastal) that are expecting sustained winds of 74 mph. Effects from high winds can include downed trees and/or power lines and damage to roofs, windows, etc. High winds can cause scattered power outages. High winds are also a hazard for the boating, shipping, and aviation industry sectors. Massachusetts is susceptible to high wind from several types of weather events: before and after frontal systems, hurricanes and tropical storms, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, and Nor’easters. Sometimes, wind gusts of only 40 to 45 mph can cause scattered power outages
Recommended publications
  • Tornado Safety Q & A

    Tornado Safety Q & A

    TORNADO SAFETY Q & A The Prosper Fire Department Office of Emergency Management’s highest priority is ensuring the safety of all Prosper residents during a state of emergency. A tornado is one of the most violent storms that can rip through an area, striking quickly with little to no warning at all. Because the aftermath of a tornado can be devastating, preparing ahead of time is the best way to ensure you and your family’s safety. Please read the following questions about tornado safety, answered by Prosper Emergency Management Coordinator Kent Bauer. Q: During s evere weather, what does the Prosper Fire Department do? A: We monitor the weather alerts sent out by the National Weather Service. Because we are not meteorologists, we do not interpret any sort of storms or any sort of warnings. Instead, we pass along the information we receive from the National Weather Service to our residents through social media, storm sirens and Smart911 Rave weather warnings. Q: What does a Tornado Watch mean? A: Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information. Q: What does a Tornado Warning mean? A: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar and you need to take shelter immediately. Q: What is the reason for setting off the Outdoor Storm Sirens? A: To alert those who are outdoors that there is a tornado or another major storm event headed Prosper’s way, so seek shelter immediately. I f you are outside and you hear the sirens go off, do not call 9-1-1 to ask questions about the warning.
  • National Weather Service Reference Guide

    National Weather Service Reference Guide

    National Weather Service Reference Guide Purpose of this Document he National Weather Service (NWS) provides many products and services which can be T used by other governmental agencies, Tribal Nations, the private sector, the public and the global community. The data and services provided by the NWS are designed to fulfill us- ers’ needs and provide valuable information in the areas of weather, hydrology and climate. In addition, the NWS has numerous partnerships with private and other government entities. These partnerships help facilitate the mission of the NWS, which is to protect life and prop- erty and enhance the national economy. This document is intended to serve as a reference guide and information manual of the products and services provided by the NWS on a na- tional basis. Editor’s note: Throughout this document, the term ―county‖ will be used to represent counties, parishes, and boroughs. Similarly, ―county warning area‖ will be used to represent the area of responsibility of all of- fices. The local forecast office at Buffalo, New York, January, 1899. The local National Weather Service Office in Tallahassee, FL, present day. 2 Table of Contents Click on description to go directly to the page. 1. What is the National Weather Service?…………………….………………………. 5 Mission Statement 6 Organizational Structure 7 County Warning Areas 8 Weather Forecast Office Staff 10 River Forecast Center Staff 13 NWS Directive System 14 2. Non-Routine Products and Services (watch/warning/advisory descriptions)..…….. 15 Convective Weather 16 Tropical Weather 17 Winter Weather 18 Hydrology 19 Coastal Flood 20 Marine Weather 21 Non-Precipitation 23 Fire Weather 24 Other 25 Statements 25 Other Non-Routine Products 26 Extreme Weather Wording 27 Verification and Performance Goals 28 Impact-Based Decision Support Services 30 Requesting a Spot Fire Weather Forecast 33 Hazardous Materials Emergency Support 34 Interactive Warning Team 37 HazCollect 38 Damage Surveys 40 Storm Data 44 Information Requests 46 3.

  • Extratropical Cyclones and Anticyclones

    © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC. NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION Courtesy of Jeff Schmaltz, the MODIS Rapid Response Team at NASA GSFC/NASA Extratropical Cyclones 10 and Anticyclones CHAPTER OUTLINE INTRODUCTION A TIME AND PLACE OF TRAGEDY A LiFE CYCLE OF GROWTH AND DEATH DAY 1: BIRTH OF AN EXTRATROPICAL CYCLONE ■■ Typical Extratropical Cyclone Paths DaY 2: WiTH THE FI TZ ■■ Portrait of the Cyclone as a Young Adult ■■ Cyclones and Fronts: On the Ground ■■ Cyclones and Fronts: In the Sky ■■ Back with the Fitz: A Fateful Course Correction ■■ Cyclones and Jet Streams 298 9781284027372_CH10_0298.indd 298 8/10/13 5:00 PM © Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC. NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION Introduction 299 DaY 3: THE MaTURE CYCLONE ■■ Bittersweet Badge of Adulthood: The Occlusion Process ■■ Hurricane West Wind ■■ One of the Worst . ■■ “Nosedive” DaY 4 (AND BEYOND): DEATH ■■ The Cyclone ■■ The Fitzgerald ■■ The Sailors THE EXTRATROPICAL ANTICYCLONE HIGH PRESSURE, HiGH HEAT: THE DEADLY EUROPEAN HEAT WaVE OF 2003 PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER ■■ Summary ■■ Key Terms ■■ Review Questions ■■ Observation Activities AFTER COMPLETING THIS CHAPTER, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO: • Describe the different life-cycle stages in the Norwegian model of the extratropical cyclone, identifying the stages when the cyclone possesses cold, warm, and occluded fronts and life-threatening conditions • Explain the relationship between a surface cyclone and winds at the jet-stream level and how the two interact to intensify the cyclone • Differentiate between extratropical cyclones and anticyclones in terms of their birthplaces, life cycles, relationships to air masses and jet-stream winds, threats to life and property, and their appearance on satellite images INTRODUCTION What do you see in the diagram to the right: a vase or two faces? This classic psychology experiment exploits our amazing ability to recognize visual patterns.
  • 1986 MANCHESTER FOCUS GOP to Push Seminar Focuses CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 643-2711 on Participation on Old Alcoholics KIT *N’ CARLYLE ®By Urry Wright

    1986 MANCHESTER FOCUS GOP to Push Seminar Focuses CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 643-2711 on Participation on Old Alcoholics KIT *N’ CARLYLE ®By Urry Wright

    M — MANCHESTER HERALD. Wednesday. Dec. 8. 1986 MANCHESTER FOCUS GOP to push Seminar focuses CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 643-2711 on participation on old alcoholics KIT *N’ CARLYLE ®by Urry Wright ... page 3 ... page 13 IWMTED Itorent RIRNITUIIE Working single mother Dual king waterbed, with with one child and dog drawers, etched m irror seeks two bedroom apart­ on head board. Comes ment. 649-3536 Otter 5:30 complete. Used 2 weeks, and weekends. asking $500. Negotiable. 745-0060 between 6pm and Wanted - 4 or 5 room 0pm. apartment near center of •«*Y8|t«»w-Tlig Ybufh Manchester. 6 and 10 year Crib - no mattress. $50.00. OrOuR of UflHtd old boys and working Call 643-2954. MtoHiodlit OHirdi of 300 mother. Does not smoke ttB fitr tlTM it wlH gffwr ilaurkatpr) Manchester — A City of Village Charm Bpralh or drink. Have references. Tw o mapl4 bar stools. tW O lM R t^ Approximately $350. Call Asking $95.00. Call 875- OtctmbBr 6lb. loom until S494234 or 560-2911 ask for 8747. o iWfi. Tlilt f t « gnat tlmo M ory Ann. to BBl your Oiri*B«ia$ Good Living room chair. B doB». 01 JO fo r 1 Thursday, Dec. 4,1986 30 Cents Excellent condition. ............ LOO Ipf 3 o r moro $65.00. Call 649^3079. (par ffm tiy ir youir wollcoviwlngt. .......... own IwA^; Coll Ruth lol Pointing. OTMOIO. ^ Iflerchindioe Love Seats - 2 olive green unmoor for velour. Good condition. iW MTVOflOAi. $50.00 for both. Call 643- 1814, State budget I7|JH0LIDAY/ I ' ' ISEASONAL nnnwcALM jW f nRlfEb fs- r i j l f Manchester Fire MACHINERY Outnof electric Department-Chrlstmas AND TOOLS Electrical Problem$ WORTH LOOKING Into..
  • Severe Weather: Thunderstorms and Tornados

    Severe Weather: Thunderstorms and Tornados

    Health and Safety Alert January 2020 Severe Weather Watches and Warnings: Thunderstorms and Tornados A severe weather watch alerts people that severe weather is expected or that conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. A severe weather warning means that severe weather is occurring, imminent, or likely in the location indicated and is a threat to life and property. People in the warning area need to take action immediately. Severe Weather Watches and Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. When a watch is issued: A watch may be issued hours before a storm. The sky may be sunny when you first hear a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch. After you learn of a watch, check weather information frequently: While watches may be issued before storms form, thunderstorms may be developing when the watch is posted, or thunderstorms may be ongoing and moving into the area. By checking the weather information again, you will be aware of what is going on around you. Options for staying informed about the weather include: • Weather radios • TV news channels • AM/FM radio • Internet • Emergency alerts via phone, e-mail or text When a severe thunderstorm warning is issued: Do not ignore severe thunderstorm warnings! Severe thunderstorm warnings often precede tornado warnings, providing you with extra time to prepare for a dangerous storm. If there is a severe thunderstorm headed your way, you should monitor it closely, especially if a tornado watch is also in effect. Move inside and away from windows. Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging straight- line winds and large hail.
  • Weather Watches and Warnings Severe Thunderstorm Warning

    Weather Watches and Warnings Severe Thunderstorm Warning

    Weather Watches and Warnings Weather Watches and Warnings Severe Thunderstorm Watch Severe Thunderstorm Watch Means thunderstorms forecast will produce six and more hail Means thunderstorms forecast will produce six and more hail events of 3/4 inch (penny) diameter or greater, or damaging events of 3/4 inch (penny) diameter or greater, or damaging winds of 50 knots (58 mph) or greater. The forecast event winds of 50 knots (58 mph) or greater. The forecast event minimum thresholds should be at least 2 hours over an area minimum thresholds should be at least 2 hours over an area of at least 8,000 square miles. of at least 8,000 square miles. Severe Thunderstorm Warning Severe Thunderstorm Warning Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued when there is Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued when there is radar indication and/or reliable spotter reports of hail of 3/4 radar indication and/or reliable spotter reports of hail of 3/4 inch (penny) diameter or greater, and/or wind gusts of 50 inch (penny) diameter or greater, and/or wind gusts of 50 knots (58 mph) or greater. knots (58 mph) or greater. Tornado Watch Tornado Watch A tornado watch means that the conditions are favorable for A tornado watch means that the conditions are favorable for producing a particular event, but it has not formed yet. Watches alert producing a particular event, but it has not formed yet. Watches alert the public that they need to pay closer attention than usual to the the public that they need to pay closer attention than usual to the weather, just to be safe.
  • Tornado Procedures

    Tornado Procedures

    FLINT PUBLIC LIBRARYLIBRARY EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN FOR MAIN BRANCH 1026 E KEARSLEY ST FLINT MI 48503 TORNADO PROCEDURES Table of Contents General Purpose / Definitions and Conditions Contact person Tornado Watch Notification Tornado Shelter Locations Termination of Watches and Warnings DATE: MAY 2, 2006 1 FLINT PUBLIC LIBRARY TORNADO WEATHER PROCEDURES I. PURPOSE The purpose of the Flint Public Library Tornado Weather procedures is to outline how the Library’s Staff, patrons and students are to respond to tornado watches, tornado warnings, and actual tornadoes. II. DEFINITIONS A. Weather Alert System is a radio alert system that is located in the Loan Department workroom area. The system is activated with a alarm tone proceed with a verbal message by the Emergency Management Office with the current weather conditions. B. Contact Person - Staff person in charge on that day is responsible for receiving and disseminating all messages received over the Weather Alert System. If the Person in charge is unavailable their alternate will assume the responsibility. TORNADO CONDITIONS Tornado Watches : are issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrative National Severe Storm Forecast Center, Norman Oklahoma, to identify areas where conditions are favorable for tornado formation. A watch is an alert telling staff to continue with their daily routine, but to be ready to respond to a warning. Tornado Warnings : are issued by the local National Weather Service facility, in White Lake, Michigan, and means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Persons close to the storm should take shelter immediately, and remain there until the U.S. Weather Service warning has expired.
  • SKYWARN Detailed Documentation

    SKYWARN Detailed Documentation

    SKYWARN Detailed Documentation NWS Terminology Convective Outlook Categories Risk Description 0 - Delineates, to the right of a line, where a 10% or greater probability of General thunderstorms is forecast during the valid period. 1 - An area of severe storms of either limited organization and longevity, or very low Marginal coverage and marginal intensity. An area of organized severe storms, which is not widespread in coverage with 2 - Slight varying levels of intensity. 3 - An area of greater (relative to Slight risk) severe storm coverage with varying Enhanced levels of intensity. An area where widespread severe weather with several tornadoes and/or numerous 4 - severe thunderstorms is likely, some of which should be intense. This risk is Moderate usually reserved for days with several supercells producing intense tornadoes and/or very large hail, or an intense squall line with widespread damaging winds. An area where a severe weather outbreak is expected from either numerous intense and long-tracked tornadoes or a long-lived derecho-producing thunderstorm complex that produces hurricane-force wind gusts and widespread damage. This 5 - High risk is reserved for when high confidence exists in widespread coverage of severe weather with embedded instances of extreme severe (i.e., violent tornadoes or very damaging convective wind events). Hazardous Weather Risks Risk Description An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent, or likely. Advisories are for "less serious" conditions than warnings that may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised could lead to Advisory situations that may threaten life or property. The National Weather Service may activate weather spotters in areas affected by advisories to help them better track and analyze the event.
  • Driving in the Winter Factsheet

    Driving in the Winter Factsheet

    Driving in the Winter FactSheet HS04-010B (9-07) Even in Texas the onset of winter can bring severe • Winter Storm Watch winter weather conditions. Employers and employees alerts the public to the who drive for a living need to be aware of how to possibility of a blizzard, drive in winter weather. The leading cause of death heavy snow, freezing rain, during a winter storm is driving accidents and multiple or heavy sleet. vehicle accidents are more likely in severe winter weather conditions. Employers and employees can • Winter Storm Warning is take steps to increase safety while driving in winter issued when a combination of heavy snow, heavy weather. freezing rain, or heavy sleet is expected. • Plan ahead and allow plenty of time for travel. • Winter Weather Advisories are issued when An employer should maintain information on its accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing employees’ driving destinations, driving routes, drizzle, and sleet may cause significant and estimated time of arrivals. Drivers should inconvenience and moderately dangerous be patient while driving, because trip time can conditions. increase in winter weather. • Snow is frozen precipitation formed when • Winterize vehicles before traveling in winter temperatures are below freezing in most of the weather. Before driving have a mechanic atmosphere from the earth’s surface to cloud check the following items on vehicles: battery; level. antifreeze; wipers and windshield washer fluid; ignition system; thermostat; lights; flashing • Sleet, also know as ice pellets, is formed when hazard lights; exhaust system; heater; brakes; precipitation or raindrops freeze before hitting defroster; tires (check for adequate tread); and the ground.
  • 10-310 Coastal Waters Forecast

    10-310 Coastal Waters Forecast

    NWSI 10-310 JUNE 18, 2019 Department of Commerce • National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration • National Weather Service NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE INSTRUCTION 10-310 JUNE 18, 2019 Operations and Services Marine, Tropical, and Tsunami Services Branch, NWSPD 10-3 COASTAL WATERS FORECAST NOTICE: This publication is available at: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/directives/. OPR: AFS26 (W. Presnell) Certified by: AFS2 (A. Allen) Type of Issuance: Routine SUMMARY OF REVISIONS: This instruction supersedes NWSI 10-310, Coastal Waters Forecast, dated April 18, 2017. The following revisions were made to this directive: 1. Updated examples to show use of mixed case. 2. Adjusted wording to reflect consolidation of Small Craft Advisories into one headline. 3. In section 2.2.3, removed the phrase “but no earlier than 1 hour before this issuance time.” 4. In section 2.3.5 b1, edited first sentence to read “When a tropical cyclone warning is in effect, the warning headline should supersede all other headlines in the area covered by the tropical cyclone warning.” 5. Removed Note indicating an exception for Alaska Region (top of page 8) 6. In section 2.3.8, added wording that knots should be the unit used to represent wind speed and the term “knot(s)” or “kt” is acceptable in representing wind speed. Also, removed any use of “kts” for knots and used “knot” in body and used “kt” to indicate knots in examples. 7. In section 2.3.8c, indicated that “visibility” should be spelled out and not abbreviated. 8. In section 2.4, added that NWSI 10-1701 has information on character line and total character limitations.
  • Inclement Weather Guidelines for Outdoor Events

    Inclement Weather Guidelines for Outdoor Events

    INCLEMENT WEATHER GUIDELINES FOR OUTDOOR EVENTS “Inclement weather” is a generic term often used to describe weather conditions that are either unsafe or undesirable for outdoor events. Inclement weather can come in many different forms, as outlined below. This guideline is intended to be used as a tool to help you identify when forecasted or actual weather conditions require cancelling or postponing an event. NOTE: This checklist addresses only the most unsafe weather conditions. Your own event guidelines may dictate actions for other weather conditions that may be undesirable (e.g. rainy, too warm, too cold). Should any of the following triggers occur or become forecasted for the time of the event, the event should be cancelled or, when appropriate, temporarily postponed for safety reasons. Temporarily postponing an event means just waiting a few minutes until the immediate hazard passes, if your schedule allows. When in doubt about what to do, consult with FSU Emergency Management for decision support. ADVANCED NOTICE TRIGGER TO CANCEL EVENT: TRIGGER TO TEMPORARILY POSTPONE TIMEFRAME EVENT: 0 ‐ 48 Hours [ ] Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch [ ] Winter Storm Watch 0 ‐ 24 Hours [ ] Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Watch [ ] High Wind Watch [ ] Winter Weather Advisory [ ] Wind Chill Advisory 0 ‐ 12 Hours [ ] Tornado Watch [ ] Severe Thunderstorm Watch [ ] Flash Flood Watch [ ] Excessive Heat Warning [ ] Wind Advisory During Event [ ] Observed Heat Index in excess of 108’F. [ ] FSU ALERT issued for Tornado Warning, Severe Thunderstorm Warning, Flash Flood Warning or [ ] Observed Wind Chill less than 0’F. Lightning Warning. [ ] Observed winds in excess of 35 miles per hour. [ ] Significant Weather Advisory (no FSU ALERT).
  • Warning Uses Definition of Terms

    Warning Uses Definition of Terms

    Warning Uses Convective Weather Flooding Winter Weather Non-Precipitation Tornado Watch Flash Flood Watch Blizzard Warning Tornado Warning Flash Flood Warning Winter Storm Watch Severe Thunderstorm Watch Flood Watch Winter Storm Warning High Wind Warning Severe Thunderstorm Warning Flood Warning Snow Advisory Small Stream Flood Freezing Rain Advisory High Wind Advisory Advisory Ice Storm Warning Winter Weather Advisory Definition of Terms Term Definition Winter Weather There is a good chance of a major winter storm developing in the next several days. Outlook Winter Storm Watch There is a greater than 50% chance of a major winter storm in the next several days Winter Storm Any combination of winter weather including snow, sleet, or blowing snow. The Warning snow amount must meet a minimum accumulation amount which varies by location. Blizzard Warning Falling and/or blowing snow frequently reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile AND sustained winds or frequent gusts greater than 35 mph will last for at least 3 hours. Ice Storm Warning Freezing rain/drizzle is occurring with a significant accumulation of ice (more than 1/4 inch) or accumulation of 1/2 inch of sleet. Wind Chill Warning Wind chill temperature less than or equal to -20 and wind greater than or equal to 10 mph. Winter Weather Any combination of winter weather such as snow, blowing snow, sleet, etc. where Advisory the snow amount is a hazard but does not meet Winter Storm Warning criteria above. Freezing Light freezing rain or drizzle with little accumulation. Rain/Drizzle Advisory .